A below-par performance at Murrayfield saw the Scots collapse to their biggest-ever defeat by the Irish, who had not won in Edinburgh since 1985.

It should have been a tight encounter, but Scotland's much-vaunted pack failed to deliver while their backs showed a chronic lack of firepower.

They created a hatful of try-scoring opportunities, but their inability to put them away suggests another reverse awaits at the Stade de France.

Les Bleus are also reeling after losing their RBS 6 Nations opener - there is no shame in going down at Twickenham, but the result handed England pole position in the title race.

Montferrand fly-half Gerard Merceron has been made the fall-guy for the defeat - he missed three kicks at goal - with coach Bernard Laporte handing Francois Gelez the number 10 shirt.

France hold all the aces, as Gelez is considered to have a cool head under pressure and a prodigious boot, while the French pack should be able to secure the ball for their talented backline.